Fitter and Faster Swim Clinics is the proud sponsor of SwimSwam’s College Recruiting Channel and all commitment news. For many, swimming in college is a lifelong dream that is pursued with dedication and determination. Fitter and Faster is proud to honor these athletes and those who supported them on their journey.

Mateja (“Matt”) Milovanovic, an Arizonan of Serbian heritage, has announced his verbal commitment to the in-state Wildcats for 2020-21.

“Very humbled and excited to commit to the University of Arizona! The team culture, the coaching caliber and the school support provide an environment to accomplish amazing things both athletically and academically. Thank you to my family, my friends and my coaches. Proud to be part of the Wildcat family! #beardown”

Milovanovic is a two-time USA Swimming Scholastic All-American and NISCA All-American from Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix. He swims year-round with Phoenix Swim Club under head coach Garrett McCaffrey and Mike Maczuga. The 6’5” senior is the reigning Arizona High School Division 1 champion in the 100 back (50.93) and 400 free relay (46.36 split), and runner-up in the 200 IM (1:53.33) and 200 medley relay (23.90 leadoff backstroke). He is one of the team captains this year as Brophy seeks its 32nd consecutive state title.

In club swimming, Milovanovic is a two-time U.S. Open qualifier. He first achieved the standard in the 200y back at Phoenix Sectionals in March with his sixth-place 1:48.26. That meet produced several more PBs: 100/200/1000 free, 50/100/200 back, and 200 IM. The next instance was in the 100m back this summer at Speedo Junior Nationals. There, he finished 39th in prelims with a PB of 58.27. He also scored a PB in the 200m back with 2:08.29. Two weeks prior, he’d swum best times in the 50/100/200/400m free and 200m IM at Mt. Hood Sectionals.

Top SCY times:

200 back – 1:48.26

100 back – 50.27

50 back – 23.73

200 IM – 1:51.61

200 free – 1:40.05

100 free – 46.20

Milovanovic would have scored in the C finals of the 100/200 back at 2019 Pac-12 Championships. The Wildcats’ top backstrokers in 2019 (ChathamDobbs, Thomas Anderson, and Matt Lujan) will have graduated when Milovanovic begins, but he’ll overlap with Jack Anderson, Isaac Stump, Jack Murphy, and Ty Coen.

Had to take it to Twitter. Honored and humbled to commit to the University of Arizona Swimming. Huge thanks to family, friends, and coaches that helped me through this journey. Couldn’t be more excited to join the Wildcat Family. #beardown 🐻⬇️ @ArizonaSwimDivepic.twitter.com/U3k6MaD6rW

If you have a commitment to report, please send an email with a photo (landscape, or horizontal, looks best) and a quote to [email protected].

About the Fitter and Faster Swim Tour

The Fitter & Faster Swim Tour produces swim clinics featuring elite stars of the sport and the most innovative teaching platforms. FFT Swim Clinics can be customized to meet age and skill level of every team and community. Call 786-837-6880 or visit http://www.fitterandfaster.com/ to learn more.

About Anne Lepesant

Anne Lepesant is the mother of four daughters, all of whom swim/swam in college. With an undergraduate degree from Princeton (where she was an all-Ivy tennis player) and an MBA from INSEAD, she worked for many years in the financial industry, both in France and the U.S. Anne is currently …